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Nanaimo RCMP's newest mascot hitchhiking across Canada

The Nanaimo Bear preparing for his hopefully easy trip across Canada.submitted/Nanaimo RCMP

NANAIMO — The newest Nanaimo RCMP officer is hitting the road.

The Nanaimo Bear, a stuffed animal dressed in Red Serge, will hitch a ride with drivers, cyclists and runners on its voyage across Canada towards Newfoundland. It will be left on the side of the road and in tourist spots with a note attached letting people know they can pick it up and carry it with them.

“We thought how could we somehow increase our image on social media, further our engagement with the public and have a social media project to see how far this could go,” Cst. Gary O'Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Since announcing the Nanaimo Bear's trip, O'Brien said they've been overwhelmed with responses from the community.

“We've had contact from police officers and the public across Canada who are willing to engage in the bear and facilitate transportation across Canada,” O'Brien said, citing one man leading a cross-Canada trip with retired military police and former Nanaimo Mounties who've moved elsewhere.

“It's growing every day.”

After rigorous training, the Nanaimo Bear is ready to embark on his first big adventure and is expected to head to Summerland to spend a few days on the beach.